When is neonatal brain ultrasound indicated and what conditions can it detect?
The examination is performed in premature newborns as part of routine brain screening or to monitor complications associated with prematurity. More generally, it is indicated in cases of increased head circumference, neurological symptoms, or abnormal findings during prenatal screening, in both premature and full-term newborns.
Brain ultrasound allows visualization of the brain's basic anatomy and identification of structural abnormalities. It enables assessment of the symmetry of the cerebral hemispheres and the posterior cranial fossa. It also contributes to the detection of intraventricular or intraparenchymal hemorrhages, the diagnosis of hydrocephalus (dilation of the brain's ventricles), and the initial evaluation of white matter morphology.
Which anatomical structures are examined?
Neonatal Brain Ultrasound allows the evaluation of the following structures:
- Cerebral hemispheres
- Brain parenchyma
- Ventricular system
- Corpus callosum
- Thalami and basal ganglia
- Cerebellum and cerebellar vermis (where visualization is feasible)
- Cerebral vasculature (using Doppler ultrasound, when indicated)
Is Brain Ultrasound safe for newborns?
Brain ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive examination that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation and does not require the administration of contrast agents or sedation. Therefore, the examination can be repeated whenever clinically necessary without exposing the newborn or infant to the risks associated with ionizing radiation.
At our practice, all pediatric ultrasound examinations are performed using state-of-the-art equipment by a specialist pediatric radiologist, with the infant's comfort and safety always remaining our primary priorities.
